Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 111,689
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	$ (16,952)	$ (4,262)	(42,480)	$ 11,072
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock		(234)	(1,251)	(278)
Redemption of Common Units			(3,101)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	881	1,967	3,049	5,084
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,687)	(4,144)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	64,219		64,219
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	38,251	72,105	129,022	185,869
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	84,583	128,180	111,689	112,499
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(16,952)	(4,262)	(42,480)	11,072
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	(234)	(1,251)	(278)
Redemption of Common Units	(3,101)	0	(3,101)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	881	1,967	3,049	5,084
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,192)	(1,418)	(3,687)	(4,144)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	64,219	124,233	64,219	124,233
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	38,251	72,105	129,022	185,869
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	234	1,251	278
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 38,251	$ 72,339	$ 130,273	$ 186,147
Richmond Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
Midtown One Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%		20.00%